Deep Calls to Deep Roc Homily (intro) – Solemnity of Mary 2017
From my study of the Greek work, poimén, meaning ‘shepherd’, it seems that we have overly romanticized these characters, made them innocuous. Of course, some have described them as poor, outcasts, smelly, and rude. However, the connections Matthew drew upon tells a different story. Two stories, actually, since the shepherds came to visit THE Shepherd. What might […]
(Belated) New Year’s Reflection
January 1, 2017 + Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God “The LORD bless you and keep you! The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace!” (Numbers 6:24-26) This New Year’s blessing taken from the first reading for […]
Roc Homily – Christmas 2016
A belated Merry Christmas to family & friends! The picture sets the scene. The audio says it all. The people who walked in darkness have seen a tiny bright light; Those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them the light has shined. The people whose darkness keep them apart have found a welcoming light. […]
Smallness at Christmastide
Here’s a poem sent to me by John Staudenmaier, SJ today. It says it all. Merry Christmas! –roc,sj Gitanjali # 1 Thou hast made me endless, such is thy pleasure.This frail vessel thou emptiest again and again,and fillest it ever with fresh life.This little flute of a reed thou hast carried over hills and dales,and […]
Texting with Joseph…
Wednesday, December 22nd Roc: Joe, when arrive? Staying @ Hilton outside Bethlehem. Arrive Thursday night. Joseph: Cool! Joseph: Left too quickly, No reservations. See what’s there. Roc: Will be waiting. Can’t wait to meet Mary. Due soon? Joseph: Didn’t think so, but riding this donkey may have moved things along. She’s a trooper. No complaints. Most […]
Wrapping Up Advent
This year, Advent taught me about the betwixt and between that characterizes my life always. You? It’s the already, but not yet. Ugh. Who wants to face that? On the one hand… I am impatient that I am incomplete still. My desire to be whole, my demand to be complete is robust even though I try […]
Roc Homily – 4th Sunday Advent Cycle A 2016
Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in. (Psalm 24) Sunday’s homily is the back-story about Joseph, the angel, and Mary. It’s about Joseph’s struggle to lift up the gate of his castle-fortress to receive the King of glory. (Less than 10 minutes. Check it […]
Roc Homily – 3rd Sunday Advent Cycle A 2016 (final reflection, maybe)
“Lepers are cleansed…” Psalm 51:1f 1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. How do you interpret this well-known psalm? What does being cleansed from sin look […]
Roc Homily – 3rd Sunday Advent Cycle A 2016 (audio file+)
Jesus told the disciples of the Baptizer, “Tell John what you see and hear – the blind see…” From yesterday’s post, it would seem that his mission was to the Pharisees and those of us like them. Since fulfillment of prophecy is big in Matthew’s gospel, notice especially the first from Isaiah: those who are […]
Roc Homily – 3rd Sunday Advent Cycle A 2016 (An Introduction)
Jesus didn’t live up to the expectations of John the Baptist. He didn’t call the religious leaders a “brood of vipers” and didn’t threaten their destruction, “even now the axe is laid to the root of the tree!” Talk about hell, fire, and brimstone! Who is this guy? Had he prepared the way for the […]
Deep Calls to Deep 